Enjoying the Health Benefits of Additive-Free Organic Wine
Enjoying the Health Benefits of Additive-Free Organic Wine
Within the next three years, the worldwide consumption of organic wine could reach one billion bottles — a rise of over a third from 2018. Behind its popularity is the growing desire for sustainability in the industry and excellent tasting wine produced without chemical additives. Organic and biodynamic vineyards are certainly better for the environment, and there is some evidence to suggest that organic wine may be healthier to drink. There is currently no requirement for an ingredient list on a bottle of wine, but anyone who has had the chance to experience the wine-making process will be familiar with some of the extra elements that are added to wine. Conventional wine production commonly adds sugars and artificial additives, and many people believe a reduction in their use make organic wines a healthier option.
Higher Levels of Antioxidants
No matter how naturally a wine is produced, its alcohol content may still have a significant effect on health and appearance. Wine causes dehydration of the body, and this process, combined with naturally occurring substances produced during fermentation, will still create a hangover if drunk in excess. One advantage of organic wines is that they tend to have a lower alcohol content but, like any wine, they are still always best drunk in moderation.
In addition, organic farming techniques can lead to healthier grapes that contain higher concentrations of powerful antioxidants and plant compounds such as resveratrol that may reduce inflammation, protect the heart, and lessen oxidative stress. There is some evidence to suggest that organic wine drinkers experience fewer headaches and milder hangovers, indicating that organic wine may be healthier.
No Chemical Residue
Chemical pesticides are potentially toxic to humans, and when left as a residue on crops can cause adverse health effects. Organic wine is made from grapes that have been grown without the use of artificial chemicals found in herbicides, pesticides, and synthetic fertilizers. Organic wineries work to expand their vineyard’s biodiversity to improve natural pest control and use compost as a natural fertilizer. Biodynamic vineyards take this a step further, treating the vineyard as one solid organism that is capable of self-regulation, therefore eliminating the need for unnatural intervention.
Fewer Artificial Additives
Every bottle of wine does; however, contain some sulfites as they are naturally present in grape skins. Further sulfites are generally added to preserve flavor or stop fermentation. Yet, if a wine is to be recognized as organic by the USDA, no extra sulfites can be added. It is possible to be allergic to sulfites, and for anyone with sulfite-sensitive asthma, they can trigger severe symptoms. If allergens are an issue, natural organic wine may be a safer and healthier choice. More commonly, a diet containing too much sugar can aggravate health conditions such as diabetes, as well as contributing to weight gain. Certified organic wines contain less sugar on average and don’t contain potentially harmful additives such as synthetic flavoring or coloring.
Organic vineyards are undoubtedly better for the environment, and there is some evidence to suggest that organic wines, produced naturally and with fewer artificial additives, can also be beneficial to health.
This blog was written by Ali Jones
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